I've been putting off writing this blog for a while now, but I think it has to be done.

I am officially putting #WRTalk on hiatus.

Both the in-person events and the Wednesday evening chats. As many of you know, I am expecting in a few weeks. I need to free up time wherever possible and ensure the next few weeks are relaxing and calm.

During this hiatus, I will be taking lots of time to reflect on #WRTalk and its purpose. If you have any feedback, I'd love to hear it! Please email me at mal@wrtalk.ca.

I started #WRTalk with the hopes of it being a community conversation. When it started THREE years ago (can you believe it?), it was just that. It was a conversation about the upcoming municipal election, a conversation about issues and hot topics in Waterloo Region. That's just not what it has been accomplishing lately. I'm not sure if it's been the 8 months of morning (ahem...all-day) sickness, or perhaps the idea of #WRTalk has gone a bit stale - whatever the cause, I think the best thing is to take a step back and refocus.

With that being said, I want to thank everyone who has helped #WRTalk become what it is today. I don't think anyone would disagree with the statement that it has helped connect a lot of people in Waterloo Region, whether they are business owners, or community members. I am so proud of what #WRTalk has accomplished so far, and am really looking forward to what's down the road.

For now, #WRTalk is on hiatus. Please check back in the new year for information on its return.

Oh, and I'm not going anywhere. The Twitter and Instagram profiles will be left up, so please feel free to keep using our beloved hashtag.

Mal

P.S. I will definitely let you all know when my little bundle of joy arrives. Wouldn't it be funny if it's a Wednesday night? ;)

Leanna Callum is the owner of Limestone Counselling, Coaching & Consulting, an individual, couple and family private counselling practice in Kitchener. Leanna opened her practice in the fall of 2015 to encourage community members to achieve wellness through personal growth, healthy relationships and community support. Leanna shared that she wants to “use my experience in a way that provides options for individual, families and communities to address personal and collective concerns in a preventative, progressive and effective way.”

With over 15 years of experience in the field of psychotherapy, Leanna provides a wide-range of support services, including career/life balance, healthy boundaries and challenging family dynamics.

While most of her day is focused on her growing her business and interacting with clients, Leanna enjoys continuing to learn within her professional community, as well as mentor students in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. “Watching students grow and expand their professional selves is a rewarding part of my work,” she says.

Working with people who are looking to improve their lives and the lives of their families and communities.

What do you want people in Waterloo Region to know about you or your business?

We provide services that focus on creating solutions and positive change for individuals with respect to their personal wellness and professional/life goals and on supporting healthy relationships and functioning of families and communities.

Besides your work, what do you enjoy doing?

Nature, photography, arts

What sets you apart from your competitors?

My work focuses on the human need for connection and the importance of healthy relationships in order to achieve personal and community success and fulfillment. I also promote counselling services as a healthy choice for all people wanting to grow and reach their personal and professional potential.

What is your background/experience/education?

Interdisciplinary Social Science BA (Psychology, Arts, Thanatology, Sociology and Anthropology) from the University of Western Ontario, applied Post Graduate Diploma in Art Psychotherapy from the University of Western Ontario. Intensive 2-year American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Supervised Couple and Family Therapy Internship. Master of Social Work (with Multicultural Certificate) from Wilfrid Laurier University. 15-year Career in proving Individual, Couple, Family and Group Psychotherapy. 7-year partnership in working with Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Social Work providing Clinical Supervision as an Assistant Practicum Professor, Curriculum, Admissions, Practicum and Student Affairs Committee Member (2014-2015) and Field Education Advisor in support of MSW Interns and Community Agencies across South Western Ontario.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs in Waterloo Region?

Do your research and explore many different options and viewpoints with respect to your field. Get involved with other’s who are also starting out in the same field and in other fields. Go on networking lunches and to events. Ask for support and be open to learning and growing your skills and your self-concept. Look at the bigger picture and be true to what you value and want to contribute to the community.

What inspires you about Waterloo Region?

Waterloo Region is a great community to live and work in. People support community, the environment and progressive approaches to change.

First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who came out to the recent networking breakfast. I was so honoured to share, as the #WRTalk community was where I truly felt welcomed when I first went full time with my business.

The Event Firm Inc. is a full-service event management firm located in Kitchener. They specialize in anything party related, including weddings and corporate events! Event services include DJ, décor, lighting, event design, planning and floral design in Waterloo Region, surrounding area, or further!

Andrew Huxley Osborne is the Piper in the Burg. He has been playing the Great Highland Bagpipe for more than half his life (over 19 years). After moving to New Hamburg in 2012, he branded himself as Piper in the Burg in order to show support for the small town, and to hopefully help promote local services in the community.

Kathryn Hofer launched Modern Planner in March of 2015. She works with solopreneurs and micro businesses to help them plan an intentional business and life. “I teach my clients how to plan, rather than doing all the planning for them,” says Kathryn.

Nicole Baumgartner is the owner and creative mastermind behind MOD Custom Catering. Since opening in 2015, Nicole has been offering personalized, full-service catering and event planning for corporate and social events ranging from 10 to 100 people.